The Daily times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1886-1889, 1887-10-09
III.

increas ed 20 a gale by the time IT. reached
M%orristown. II sweep: through the leaf
less NAPLES and ratified the dry bones Of
the elms II whistled through the quiet
Presbyterian churchyard, as if trying 10
arouse the sleepers IL had known in
days gone by. 1t shook the blank, luster-
less windows Of the Assembly rooms over
the Freemasons' tavern and wrought IN
their gusty curtains moving shadows OF
those amply petticoated danes and tightly
hosed cavaliers who had swung in "Sir
Roger or iigged in "Mouey Musk" the
night before.
But ] fancy il was around the isolated
Ford mansion" better known az the
Headquarters" that the wind wreaked
it's crotesque a 1t howled under its
soant caves. it sang under its bleak porch,
il tweaked the peak of its from gable, it
whistled through every chink and Granny
Of It's square. solid, unpicturesque struc-
ture. Situated On a hillside that de-
seconded rapidly 70 the Whippany river,
every summer zephyr that whispered
through the porches Of the MOrristOwn
farm houses charged as "a stiff breeze upon
the swinging half doors and windows Of
the "Ford mansion;'' every wintry wind
became u gale that threatened its security.
The sentry who paced before its front
porch Knew from experience when TO
linger under its lea and adjust his thread
bare outer coat TO the bitter north wind.
Within ;he house something Of this
oheerlessness prevailed. II had an ascetic
gloom. which the scant freight OF the
reception room and the dying embers on
the dining room hearth failed TO dissi-
pat. The central hall was broad, and
furnished plainly with a few rush bot
Toned chairs. on one Of which half dozed
a black BODY servant Of the commander
in-chief. Two officers in the dining room,
drawn close. by the chimney corner,
chatted in undertopeS, ~ il mindful that
the door Of the drawing room was open,
and their voices might break in upon IT,
sacred privacy The swinging light in the
hall partly illuminated il, OF rather
glanced gloomily from thu black polished
furniture. the lusterless chairs, the quaint
cabinet. the silent spinef. the skeleton
legged center table, and finally upon the
mOtionless figure Of r man seated hy the
Ere.
Il was a figure since 30 well known TO
the civilized world. since 50 celebrated ~
print and painting, rs to need no descriP
tion here. IT. rare combination OF gentle
dignity with profound force. Of q sci reso-
luteness Of purpose with q philosophical
patience. have been so frequently deliy-
rred 10 a people moi particularly remark
able for these qualities. that / fear 10 has
100 often provoked q spirit OF playful az
erosion. IN which the deeper underlying
meaning was forgotten. 80 let me add
hat IN manner, physical equipoise. and
even in the mere details Of dress. this
figure indicated q certain srist0cratic eX-
elusiyeneSs. II was the prescntment of a
king-a king who 10y The irony at circum-
stances was just then waging war against
All kingship, a ruler of men. who just
hen was fighting Tor the right of these
men 70 govern themselves. but whom 10y
his own inherent right he dominated.
From the crown Of his powdered head 60
the silver buckle OF his shoe he was so
royal hat it was not strange That his
brother George OF England aud Hanover
ruling by accident, otherwise impiously
known rs the grace of God'-Could find
no better way of resisting his power han
by calling him 'Nlr. Washington.
The sound of horses hoofe. the formal
challenge Of sentry. the grave questioning
Of the officer of the guard. followed by
footsteps upon the porch, did not appar-
emily disturb his meditation. Morbid the
opening OF the outer door. and a charge Of
cold air into the hall that invaded even the
privacy OF the reception room, and bright
ened the dying embers on the hearth. stir
MS calm preoccupatiou. But an instant
lator there was The distinct rustic Of a
feminine skirt in the hall. a hurried whis-
Of mems voices, and then the Sud
den apparition Of a smooth, fresh faced
young officer over the shoulder OF the un-
conscious figure.
81 beg your pardon, general said Ile
officer doubtingly, ''but'-
"You are not intruQF~
" said the gene LONG, Oo' mann"
There is a - quietly.
wishes an /yonns lady without VINO
Ms Mdience Of your S,a excellence icy.
daughter Of Abner Blossom, charged with
treasouous practice and favoring the en-
amy, now in the ~guardhouse 1T Morris
town.
Thankful Blossom repeated the gen
.ral interrogatively.
"Your excellency doubtless remembers
Z little provincial beauty and q famous
toast Of the country side-the Cressids Of
our Morristown epic, who led our gallant
Connecticut captain astray'-
"You have the advantages, besides the
better memory of a younger man, colonel"
said Washington, with a playful smile
chat slightly redeemed the cheek OF his
aide-de-camp Yet | think | have heard
Of this phenomenon. BY all means, sd-
nit her-and her escort. 80
She is alone. general" responded the
suhnrlfuat.